Eat in East Village, San Diego

Cowboy Star ★ 4.5

Cowboy Star in San Diego is the East Village steakhouse and butcher shop on 10th Avenue, with an in-house dry-aging programme, an oyster bar and one.

OrderThe dry-aged bone-in ribeye for two; the Wagyu burger at lunch.

TipThe butcher shop sells the same cuts at retail; if the menu is booked, buy and cook at home.

Pokez ★ 4.1

Pokez in San Diego is Rafael Reyes's East Village punk-rock Mexican counter since 1994, the first vegetarian and vegan Mexican kitchen in the city.

OrderThe vegan burrito with soyrizo; the vegetarian chilaquiles in the morning.

TipCash and card both fine; the room is tiny and the look is intentionally punk-western. Counter service.

Pokez Mexican Restaurant ★ 4.0

Pokez in San Diego's East Village, the punk-rock Mexican counter near City College where the vegan burrito runs nine dollars and the carne asada lands.

TryVegan burrito, carne asada burrito, breakfast burritos

Lola 55 ★ 4.5

Lola 55 is modern bib gourmand taqueria tucked into a quiet f street block behind petco park, more reservation-friendly than the bigger names.

OrderPork belly al pastor, smoked fish taco, mezcal cocktail

Why locals goModern Bib Gourmand taqueria tucked into a quiet F Street block behind Petco Park, more reservation-friendly than the bigger names.

TipSit at the bar for the taco omakase; the brunch menu is the easiest way in without a reservation.